Award-winning firm ASM Chartered Accountants has launched a series of events aimed at providing SMEs with practical advice on cross-border matters such as tax, pensions, and other pertinent issues. This new initiative will be delivered in partnership with InterTradeIreland, the cross-border business development agency.The initiative, to be known as 'the Cross Border Bureau', will aim to promote business growth through cross-border trade, by providing advice and consultancy to businesses operating between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The guidance will focus on matters of business growth, specifically, taxation, payroll, pensions and VAT, with emphasis on the issues faced by those companies and business people that have interests in both jurisdictions. In keeping with InterTradeIreland’s mission to support SMEs to identify and develop cross-border business opportunities, the initiative will provide valuable information on setting up a cross-border business including up to date regulatory information to keep your business compliant and identifying potential sources of financial funding.

The first Cross-Border Bureau events will take the form of free seminars in Newry (10 September), Belfast (17 September 2015), Magherafelt (24 September & 5 November), Dundalk (8 October) and Dungannon (22 October), at which delegates will be addressed by keynote speakers from ASM and InterTradeIreland. Free downloadable materials will be produced by ASM for those who cannot attend in person.

Ronan McGuirk, Director, ASM Chartered Accountants, Newry, said:

‘With six offices in both jurisdictions– four North and two South of the border, ASM is perfectly placed to give businesses with a target on cross border growth, advice on a range of financial issues. Alongside InterTradeIreland, we hope we can take that one step further and open up delegates to further funding information and contacts which will help them achieve a range of business objectives."

" Events such as these are great opportunities for SMEs to find out more about the opportunities that exist right here on our doorstep. Businesses will take away valuable practical information on all cross-border matters and have an opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals. Any business, new or established should consider coming along to what will be informative and helpful events for businesses interested in growing their business."

ASM Chartered Accountants has grown rapidly since its launch in 1995 and is now one of the largest accounting and management consultancy firms in Ireland, with offices in Belfast, Dublin, Dundalk, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Newry. The company's 160 strong team comprises specialists in a range of accountancy disciplines and related skills that include: corporate finance, audit and accounting, internal audit, consultancy services, taxation, hotels, tourism and leisure, insolvency, and forensic accounting.

InterTradeIreland, headquartered in Newry, County Down, helps SMEs across Ireland, both North and South, by offering practical advice on cross-border business funding, intelligence and contacts. The organisation is jointly funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) in Northern Ireland and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI) in the Republic of Ireland.